Golden Triangle with Khajuraho & Varanasi Tour

Your journey begins with your arrival in Delhi, the bustling capital of India, known for its mix of ancient Mughal architecture and modern urban landscapes.

Morning:

After checking into your hotel, begin with an exploration of Old Delhi. Visit the grand Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Mughal power, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. Then head to Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, where you can admire its intricate Mughal architecture and large courtyard.

Afternoon:

Take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, the vibrant old market area, filled with spice shops, jewelry stores, and street food stalls. Continue to Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Afterward, explore the highlights of New Delhi, starting with Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, and Humayun’s Tomb, a stunning Mughal mausoleum that inspired the architecture of the Taj Mahal.

Evening:

Drive past India Gate, a war memorial, and Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President's House). Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, embark on a 5-6 hour drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, known for its royal palaces, forts, and pink-hued buildings.

Afternoon:

Upon arrival in Jaipur, check into your hotel. After some rest, visit City Palace, a grand palace complex that is still the residence of the royal family. The palace also houses a museum with artifacts, textiles, and weapons. Next, explore the Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features the largest stone astronomical instruments in the world.

Evening:

Visit the famous Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), known for its distinctive pink façade with hundreds of small windows. This architectural marvel was designed for royal ladies to observe the street without being seen. End your day with a stroll through the local markets, where you can shop for traditional Rajasthani textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Spend the day exploring Jaipur’s majestic forts and historical landmarks.

Morning:

Start your day with a visit to the magnificent Amber Fort, located on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake. You can ride an elephant or take a jeep up to the fort. Inside, explore the beautiful courtyards, the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), and the Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience), which reflect the opulence of the Rajput kings.

On your way back, stop at the stunning Jal Mahal (Water Palace), located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. Although entry to the palace is restricted, the view from the lakeside is breathtaking.

Afternoon:

Continue your exploration by visiting Nahargarh Fort, which offers panoramic views of the city. You can also take time to visit Albert Hall Museum, which showcases Rajasthani art, costumes, and artifacts.

Evening:

Enjoy a traditional Rajasthani dinner with folk music and dance performances at a local restaurant. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, drive to Agra (approximately 4-5 hours), with a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the former Mughal capital, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Morning:

At Fatehpur Sikri, explore the architectural wonders of this abandoned Mughal city. Visit Buland Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world, and the Tomb of Salim Chishti, a white marble mausoleum dedicated to the Sufi saint. Explore the palaces and courtyards, including Jodha Bai's Palace and the Panch Mahal.

Afternoon:

Continue your drive to Agra. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax. In the late afternoon, visit the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj is celebrated for its exquisite symmetry, white marble facade, and intricate inlay work.

Evening:

Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Agra.

Spend the day exploring the remaining highlights of Agra.

Morning:

Visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors. The fort’s palaces, mosques, and audience halls, such as Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) and Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), provide insights into the grandeur of the Mughal empire.

Afternoon:

Visit the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, often called the "Baby Taj." This beautiful mausoleum is considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal and showcases delicate marble inlay work. Afterward, you can visit the local marble factories to see artisans at work and shop for souvenirs.

Evening:

Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Agra.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Khajuraho, famous for its intricate temple carvings. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and begin your exploration of the Khajuraho Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Afternoon:

Explore the Western Group of Temples, renowned for their stunning erotic sculptures, which depict life in all its forms. The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is the largest and most ornate temple in this complex, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other notable temples include Lakshmana Temple and Vishvanatha Temple, which showcase exquisite carvings of gods, goddesses, animals, and celestial beings.

Evening:

Enjoy a light and sound show at the temple complex, which narrates the history and significance of the temples. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Khajuraho.

After breakfast, take a flight to Varanasi, one of the oldest and holiest cities in India, situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges River. Upon arrival, check into your hotel.

Afternoon:

Visit Sarnath, a major Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Explore the Dhamek Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and the Sarnath Museum, which houses important Buddhist artifacts.

Evening:

Attend the famous Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where priests perform a mesmerizing ritual to honor the Ganges River. Witness the lamps being floated on the river as the chanting of hymns fills the air. This spiritual experience is one of the highlights of Varanasi.

Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Varanasi.

Early Morning:

Start your day with a boat ride on the Ganges River at sunrise. The boat ride offers a glimpse of life along the ghats, where locals and pilgrims perform daily rituals, bathe in the holy river, and offer prayers. The sight of the sun rising over the Ganges is truly magical.

Morning:

Visit the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most important Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Then explore the Bharat Mata Temple, which houses a marble relief map of India, and the Tulsi Manas Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama.

Afternoon:

Visit Banaras Hindu University (BHU), one of the largest and oldest universities in India, and explore its beautiful campus. Then visit the Durga Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple, due to the large population of monkeys around it.

Evening:

Enjoy some free time exploring the narrow lanes of Varanasi, where you can shop for silk sarees, handicrafts, and spiritual souvenirs. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Varanasi.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Delhi. Depending on your flight schedule, you can explore any last-minute attractions or shopping in Delhi.

Later, you will be transferred to the airport or railway station for your onward journey, marking the end of your Golden Triangle with Khajuraho and Varanasi Tour.